Whoosh!!
Chakra spun violently, condensing into a swirling sphere in Yuichi's hand. The rotation was so fast it screeched against the air, shrill and raw.
Yuichi thrust his arm forward—
Boom!
The Rasengan slammed into the trunk of a massive tree.
Dust and debris exploded outward. The tree, thick enough that three men couldn't wrap their arms around it, snapped in an instant. The trunk caved in, collapsing with a heavy crash. A spiral imprint, carved deep into the wood, marked the point of impact.
Yuichi straightened, brushing the dust from his clothes. A fierce grin cut across his face.
"Rasengan… success."
The destructive force spoke for itself. For raw attack power, Rasengan was a perfect killing blow.
Behind him lay a scarred wasteland—potholes gouged deep into the ground, flames still smoldering, smoke curling skyward. Shattered stone and splintered wood littered the battlefield, while pools of water reflected the chaos.
An entire hundred-meter stretch looked as though a war had just been fought.
Yuichi stepped forward lightly, eyes sharp.
Two days had already passed.
And in those two days, he had underestimated the sheer horror of his unlimited training method.
Every ninjutsu he possessed—perfected.
Not only the three new Wood Style techniques and Deep Forest Emergence, but every other Wood Style jutsu as well.
His system flashed:
[Wood Style: 37% — Second Stage Inheritance]
[Fairy Body Awakening: 49%]
The stronger his Wood Style, the more his Fairy Body awakened.
The more it awakened, the faster his recovery became.
The faster his recovery, the more ninjutsu he could grind to perfection.
A perfect cycle.
On top of that, even his physical training had advanced again.
[Taijutsu: Advanced Ninja Physique (3/100,000)]
Yuichi clenched his fists, his body humming with power.
Stronger than ever. Reborn.
Half the Fairy Body awakened, countless perfect techniques mastered, his physique sharpened—his strength was worlds apart from the Yuichi of two days ago.
A sharp breath—then his figure flickered and vanished, leaving behind the devastated plain.
Through the forest, he caught faint voices.
"How long is the teacher going to take? It's been forever!"
"Just be patient, both of you."
Rustling leaves.
Yuichi—disguised as Kazuki—emerged from the undergrowth. He smiled faintly at Fengtai and Jidou.
"Let's go. Time to head back to Konoha."
Morning in Konoha.
The village bustled with life, full of energy.
Naruto, bleary-eyed, bit into a piece of bread. He shook the empty milk carton—it was drained. Swallowing down the last bite, he locked his door and stepped outside.
In an instant, his sluggish face brightened, his body surging with energy as he dashed through the streets.
At the village gates, four figures entered slowly.
A gate guard frowned at Yuichi. "You are…?"
"I just returned from a mission. Here's my report."
The guard skimmed it, then nodded. "Right. You've come back just in time."
Yuichi raised a brow. "What's going on?"
"Haven't you heard? You're needed. The Third Hokage has summoned all Jōnin with Genin teams. You're to attend as well."
A Jōnin summons…
Yuichi's lips curved. "The Chūnin Exams."
Perfect timing.
This was exactly the moment he had been waiting for.
Fengtai and Jidou rushed home immediately after dismissal, leaving Yuichi behind with his Wood Style clone.
The clone spoke sharply, "With your strength, there's no need to stay in Konoha."
Yuichi smirked. "And yet, there's no better place. Konoha is still the strongest village."
He waved his hand. "Go home. Get ready."
With that, the clone split off, while Yuichi headed straight for the Hokage building.
Inside, the Third Hokage was already in council.
His eyes flicked up when "Kazuki" walked in. A C-rank mission taking two days was nothing unusual, but…
By Danzo's methods, Kazuki should never have returned at all.
Yet here he was. On time.
The Hokage hid his surprise, saying nothing as he continued.
One by one, Jōnin made their recommendations. Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma all nominated their Genin for the Chūnin Exams. No one else did.
Then Yuichi stepped forward.
"Lord Third Hokage, I recommend Genin Nagano Yuichi of my squad to participate in this Chūnin Exam."
The words froze the room. Every Jōnin turned sharply toward him.
The Hokage's eyes narrowed. "Kazuki… did you just say you recommend Nagano Yuichi?"
"Yes."
The Hokage studied him carefully. His expression, normally calm, wavered with doubt.
"Yuichi only graduated this year. You recommend him already? Why not wait?"
Yuichi, as Kazuki, met his gaze steadily. "Lord Third Hokage, Yuichi is exceptionally talented. His strength is already sufficient."
Kakashi's brows rose slightly. Kazuki was known for obedience, never once going against orders.
Yet today, he openly defied the Hokage's will.
Rare. Dangerous.
The Hokage's lips pressed thin, his expression darkening. "He has strength, yes, but no experience. Not even eight completed missions. By rules, he cannot be recommended."
Yuichi's voice sharpened. "He has strength, but no missions… because there were no missions given to us."
Silence fell. Every Jōnin lowered their eyes.
It wasn't just about qualifications. It was the unspoken gap between clan-born shinobi and ordinary ones. Civilian Jōnin were rarely given priority in missions.
Everyone knew it. No one ever dared say it aloud.
Until now.
The Hokage's tone dropped low. "There are always missions. How could there be none?"
Yuichi's eyes flashed cold. "Then perhaps Lord Third Hokage should explain why ordinary Jōnin struggle just to receive assignments, while the clan shinobi have no such difficulty."
"Asuma!" The Hokage's son barked, his temper breaking. "Watch your tongue, Kazuki!"
But the Hokage lifted a hand to silence him. His gaze bore into Yuichi, sharp and unreadable.
"…Very well. Since you insist on recommending Yuichi, I'll allow it. He'll be given the chance."